After carjacking, Newark official says leaving tot in car was ‘careless, reckless’

NEWARK — Police continue to search for the man who stole a car left parked with the engine running and a sleeping 2-year-old inside.

The girl's' mother left the car running on Ferry Street as she made several trips bringing groceries into a relative's house, according to Newark police. Two images posted on the department's show the man walking by the car and standing next to it on Ferry Street before getting in and driving 400 feet to Adams Street, where the child was found in the car.

The toddler was not hurt but was taken to University Hospital for an examination.

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said the carjacking was "a careless and reckless act which endangered a child." He said the incident was preventable and that he has been cautioning residents about the dangers of leaving their car running and unattended.

“Approximately 32 percent of the cars stolen in Newark so far this year were left running. This problem is not unique to Newark. It is problematic throughout the state. With a little common sense, many crimes like this one can be prevented. Everyone has to be thankful that this didn’t end with tragic results," Ambrose said in a statement.

The suspect is wearing a red hat and a red, white and blue shirt with "Racco" written across the front and back. He is wearing black and white Adidas track pants and blue and white Nike sneakers. Police believe he is about 20 years old, six-feet-tall and 180 pounds.

Ambrose asked anyone with information about the incident to call he Department's 24-hour Crime Stoppers’ tip line at 877 NWK-TIPS (877 695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877 695-4867).